When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, its a good core workout. If youre sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More

Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More

The sinews of old San Francisco lie in the water: the posts standing in the Bay mud that supported the docks and piers where the shipping that made the city possible, and later allowed it to flourish, flowed.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Oakland Is Officially More Exciting Than San Francisco, and Here Is Why

It's not every day that Oakland gets to be something (good) that San Francisco is not. The gritty city also known as Oaktown perpetually gets the brunt of bad press, while San Francisco basks in the spectacularness that has tourists eating out of its hands.

But have you noticed that, lately, all your friends are moving over to Oakland? It's the new Brooklyn, and there's damn good reason for that: Once the stepsister of the Bay Area's best, Oakland now kicks San Francisco's ass when it comes to leading an exciting life.

Movoto.com, a real estate blog, used Saturday night science to determine that not only is Oakland more thrilling than San Francisco (which came in no. 3), but it's now the most exciting city in the nation. They factored in the number of bars, big box stores, fast food restaurants, population diversity, and museums, among other things, to determine which city offered its residents a bigger thrill.

But just looking at that criteria, we know what you're thinking: How is it possible that Oakland trumped S.F.? Here's what we think:

It's always 10 degrees warmer in Oakland -- and we mean everywhere in Oakland. So while you freeze your tits off walking your dog in Glen Park, just know your frenemies are enjoying the sun in their backyards with their kids.

Where else can you buy a gold grill and creme Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta with a scoop of huckleberry ice cream on the same block?

S.F.'s recession is Oakland's Economic boom. Have you noticed that the party has moved to Oakland? That's where your friends live now, and where your favorite sandwich shop relocated, and where your local bar has gone. Even your gun is fleeing to Oakland.

Free parking on Sundays. Duh. Only that and the promise of a for-real parking spot could convert a militant San Franciscan.

And finally, while you dolts in SF spend your time and money taking photo classes or learning something useful, Oaklanders are teaching themselves how to pick locks. Seriously, there's a workshop in town where experts (expert what? We don't know) will be proud to teach you how to efficiently gain access to a car or a house or a safe without a key.

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Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"